The American Dream — The American Dream 1970 (USA, Psychedelic Rock)

The American Dream — The American Dream 1970 (USA, Psychedelic Rock)

The only album by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, band formed in 1968. It was Todd Rundgren's first time producing. The album is a blend of power pop, light psychedelia, and elements of hard and folk rock. Nick Jameson subsequently played in Foghat, simultaneously producing several of their albums; later, he briefly joined Paul Butterfield's band. In October 1977, he released his first solo album, "Already Free," on the Bearsville label, and nine years later, his second, "A Crowd of One" (1986). However, his subsequent and successful career focused on TV and film. Don Lee Van Winkle frequently appeared on stage as a guest guitarist, and in 1999, he recorded a solo album, "Fallin' Idol."Originally known as The Great American Dream, this Philadelphian quintet were local legends who’d opened for The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Santana and many others.

Packed with snappy songs and infectious good humor, their sole album was taped in New York’s just-opened Record Plant in the fall of 1969, and marked Todd Rundgren’s debut as producer.

Issued in February 1970, it stands as one of the best pop-rock albums of its time, and makes its long-overdue .

Todd Rundgren produced this lost Philadelphia band’s only album back in 1970 off the Ampex record label. The American Dream’s album blends power pop, lite psychedelia, blazing hard rockers, folk-rock and roots music effectively throughout its 12 songs (almost 50 minutes of good music!).

Key influences are not a surprise, as listeners may hear strands of Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the Nazz, and the Beatles.

The playing is full of youthful energy and the band manages to balance out hard rockers with attractive folk-rock power ballads.

Raspberries has a slight psychedelic hangover, as it begins with a phased drum intro and showcases some wigged out guitar playing. Other quality songs like the Other Side, Storm (full of great Beatles-like melodies), I Ain’t Searchin’ and I Am You are predominately acoustic, tastefully arranged and have some great hook laden CSNY harmonies.

01. Good News - 0:00

02. Big Brother - 3:56

03. The Other Side - 7:47

04. Credemphels - 12:54

05. Storm - 15:21

06. Cadillac - 18:57

07. My Babe - 23:10

08. I Ain't Searchin' - 26:03

09. Future's Folly - 30:43

10. I Am You - 33:30

11. Frankford El - 37:13

12. Raspberries - 39:05


Personnel:

Nicky Indelicato – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Nick Jameson – 1st guitar, piano, vocals
Don Lee Van Winkle - 2nd guitar, vocals
Don Ferris - bass, vocals
Mickey Brook - drums
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Todd Rundgren – engineer, producer

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